Cloudflare AI Gateway adds an Auto Router that picks the cheapest capable model
Cloudflare added an Auto Router to AI Gateway on September 30, 2026, in public beta and free during the beta. Setting the model to cloudflare/auto sends each request through an edge classifier that scores it across 14 task categories and routes it to the cheapest model it expects to handle it. Cloudflare reports savings of up to 30% against sending everything to a frontier model.
Why it matters
Most apps send every request to one model chosen for the hardest case. Routing per request is the easiest cost cut available, and this makes it a one-line change.
Who should care
Apps already calling models through Cloudflare AI Gateway
What you can do
Point a low-risk route at cloudflare/auto and compare its quality and cost with your current model before widening it.